Toothy handicrafts made in Burnt City Archeology Tooth Arts Creation

Teeth found in Burnt City

Iranian archeologists say that the residents of Burnt City used their teeth as a third hand to create artistic and industrial products. 

Archeologists found the evidence in the 12th phase of Burnt City archeological excavations in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province. 

“Studies showed that Burnt City inhabitants made textile, nets and jewelry using their teeth 5,000 years ago,” said director of the archeology team Seyyed Mansour Seyyed Sajjadi 

“Archeological evidence shows that these people tore long natural fibers with their teeth, moisturized them with saliva and used them to make wicker products,” he added. 

“The discovered teeth are mostly wearied and eroded as a result of tearing fibers,” he said 

Earlier in the 12th phase, archeologists found 52 skeletons along with 12 ancient graves, which are believed to be unique among the discoveries of the past 30 years. 

Over 400 prehistoric sites have been excavated in Burnt City and archeologists expect the number to reach 1,000. 

The 5,000-year-old Burnt City is located near the city of Zabol and spans an area of over 300,000 hectares. 

Four civilizations have lived in the city which was burnt down three times and not rebuilt after the last fire. 

The world’s oldest animated picture, dice and backgammon set, the earliest known caraway seed and artificial eyeball have been found in Burnt City.